Forced marriages lurk during summer vacations, freshen up on safety measures
Summer break alert for Berlin school girls: Steer clear of forced marriages during vacation
Summer vacations usually mean relaxation and fun, but for some girls with international roots, it could be a prelude to forced marriage. A chilling video by Terre des Femmes (TDF), a human rights organization, is circulating on social media, alerting students in Berlin about this danger and offering help.
The clip features a young girl in braces, sitting in a classroom with friends donning tight tops. Suddenly, the scene shifts, and she's wearing a wedding dress. This visual metaphor foreshadows the unfortunate fate that awaits the protagonist.
A text message from "Mom" appears on the smartphone: "Your wedding is set. Today is your last day of school." The final scene shows an empty seat in the classroom, symbolizing the absence of the girl who's been taken away.
Myria Böhmecke of TDF speaks candidly about the issue, "Vacation in the country of origin, passport gone, cash gone ... Girls believe their parents wouldn't force them into such a terrible act. But that's what many parents do." And sadly, this summer is no exception.
Young women from Arab countries, the Balkans, Turkey, and Chechnya are most at risk, highlighting a concerning trend. TDF, along with the police, visits schools to sensitize girls to the issue through workshops.
In a survey conducted in 2022, Berlin youth welfare offices, schools, and other institutions reported 496 cases of attempted or successful forced marriages. The numbers have been steadily increasing since then.
A Berlin school counselor, who prefers anonymity, shares a heart-wrenching account of one of his students, a girl of Syrian origin. "She was in her final exams, reported an uneasy feeling... She couldn't imagine her father would hold her back." The girl disappeared after the holidays and was successfully brought back a year later.
Even influencer Anna (24), with a Pakistani background, has voiced her opposition to forced marriage due to personal experiences. "When I was 15, my father tried to force me to pick one of three proposed grooms. I turned to the school social worker for help and escaped the family," she recounted, addressing the violence she faced in resisting.
TDF advises those threatened with forced marriage to turn to their class teacher, school social worker, or counselor. Information is also available at zwangsheirat.de. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding your rights, and knowing who to approach for help, could be a life-saver. Stay safe, and enjoy your summer!
- The danger of forced marriages during summer vacations is not limited to Berlin, as girls from various international backgrounds, including those from Arab countries, the Balkans, Turkey, and Chechnya, are most at risk.
- As the numbers of reported cases of forced marriages have been increasing steadily, it is crucial for young women to educate themselves on their rights and seek help in situations where they feel threatened.
- In the realm of education and self-development, it is essential to understand the importance of mental health, particularly in situations that could potentially lead to trauma.
- General news outlets should continue to address issues such as forced marriages to increase awareness and encourage discussions about women's health and mental health, as well as crime and justice, promoting a comprehensive approach to health and wellness.
